BE PREPARED

"Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer" (Proverbs 30:25, NIV).

Sometimes the seemingly simple things in life can teach us some of the most important lessons. Take ants for example. Even though their "brain" (central ganglion or nerve) is less than one-tenth the size of a pinhead, ants live in highly organized social colonies. Some collect food, others build the nest and keep it clean, and some look after the queen ants. Nurse ants clean and feed the larvae. Soldier ants guard and protect the food-collecting ants. No wonder the Bible says, "Go to the ant ... consider her ways and be wise (Proverbs 6:6)."

Among other lessons, the ants "who store up their food in the summer" teach us the importance of being prepared ahead of time for whatever might come our way. The Chinese proverb, "Dig your well before you're thirsty" makes the same point. Children and teenagers need to be prepared for life, for entering the work force, and for taking care of themselves. Those who are planning to be married should be prepared ahead for it; unfortunately too many aren't. And among taking care of various responsibilities, adults need to be prepared ahead for retirement and old age.

And most important of all, we need to be prepared for life after death when we will meet our Maker face to face. As God's Word says, "Prepare to meet your God (Amos 4:12)," and as Jesus taught about his return to earth, "Be ready; for when you least expect it, I will come (Matthew 24:44)." How tragic beyond all measure for those who aren't prepared for life after death. Whatever you do, don't let this happen to you.